The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating .
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and the proper coolant will:
| • | Give freezing protection down to -33°F (-36°C) |
| • | Give boiling protection up to 258°F (125°C). |
| • | Protect against rust and corrosion. |
| • | Help keep the proper engine temperature. |
| • | Let the warning lights and gages work as they should. |
What to Use
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and coolant that meets GM Specification 1825-M, which won't damage aluminum parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush and refill. If you use this coolant mixture, you don't need to add anything else.
Caution: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you would not get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and the proper coolant.
Notice: If an improper coolant mixture is used, the engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year, have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice: If you use the proper coolant, you do not have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank is located toward the front of the engine compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview for more information on location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at LOW, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should be up to FULL, or a little higher.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
Caution: Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure cap -- even a little -- when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it.
Caution: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For information on how to add coolant to the radiator, see Cooling System .
